FITTING ITHACA BARRELS

Steve Hodges · 12-11-2018, 08:53 PM

I just purchased a set of Orphaned Ithaca Flues 16 Gauge 28" Mod/Full Barrels with the forend with the hopes that they could be fitted to my 1912 Flues 16 Gauge which has 26" Cyl/Full barrels and have a nice two barrel set. The new barrels snapped right on but the lever stayed to the extreme right and there is a gap between the barrels and the receiver. They will open and close easily and when closed they and tight. What is the opinion that they can be successfully fitted to the receiver? Thanks.

PML · 12-11-2018, 09:01 PM

Rotary bolt is not passing through the barrel extension to allow the top lever to return. Shim the barrel lug and move the barrels back towards the breech and eventually the bolt might pass through the barrel extension. Beer cans make good test shims and when you get the barrels stuck you can blame it on the beer.

PML

B. Dudley · 12-11-2018, 10:11 PM

Flues guns are NOT equipt with a rotory bolt. Only the later NID is fitted with that type of bolting.

The Flues is hook bolted through the rib extention.

That set of barrels is extremely off face. A very large shim will be required to set the barrels back against the frame. Or a good deal of welding and refitting.

The barrels are also very proud against the frame. Might be best to bail on this endeavor.

Cold Spring · 12-12-2018, 08:15 AM

Steve, although I've never done a Flues I'm familiar with welding/rejointing and also swapping barrels on Foxes and have done many of them along with two NID's (all my own guns, I don't do work on commission). Just looking at the pics I agree 100% with Brian's assessment and also predict there may be issues with the fit of the forend iron against the barrel lug and possible hammer cocking problems. All told I'd advise you chalk this one up to experience and return or flip the barrel. At least that’s what I would do.

frank